Managing stretch marks with a healthy diet

Your skin has to stretch during pregnancy, to make room for your growing baby. However, if your skin is well nourished, the elastin can help support this process. However, sometimes your skin will grow beyond the ability of its elastin. This is when you get stretch marks. They typically appear on women's thighs, hips, stomachs and breasts.

Stretch marks can be a sign that you are deficient in certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, zinc, vitamin E or essential fatty acids. The good news is that you can minimise stretch marks, and potentially avoid them altogether by nourishing your skin through good nutrition and daily moisturising.

• Stay hydrated - your skin cells need water! Make sure you're drinking at least two litres daily, more in hot weather.
• Eat berries, green leafy vegetables and avocado daily as they are a great source of vitamins C and E.
• Take a multivitamin/mineral and an omega-3 supplement daily.
• Eat plenty of foods which are rich in zinc, such as lamb, natural yogurt and pumpkin seeds.
• Moisturise daily with a vitamin E-rich oil.

NOTE: It is important to note that following these tips will not guarantee that you don't get stretch marks, but hopefully, will help you minimise them.

Information provided by: Rosie Letts Nutrition

The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article are not intended to amount to advice, and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. New Life Classes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article.